Manipur government has decided to ban all gatherings above 20 persons and extend curfew hours in view of the increase in Covid cases. Chief Minister N Biren has issued an advisory to all ministers, MLAs, government officials not to organise or participate in any event where there are more than 20 people. He also chaired a meeting of the State Consultative Committee on COVID-19 last evening. The Manipur government will also re-engage doctors and nurses who were earlier engaged to meet the challenges. Earlier during the slowdown in Covid related cases, all medical staff who were on duty were removed from service. Dr Rajesh Kumar, Chief Secretary and Chairman, State Executive Committee said in an order that curfew will be imposed from 1900 hrs to 0500 hrs daily. All gatherings are banned with immediate effect, except unavoidable gatherings for funerals, marriages, time-bound religious rituals/ceremonies. Such gatherings will be strictly limited to 20 persons. Covid appropriate behaviour, including wearing of face mask should be ensured by the host/organiser. Violators are to be penalised promptly he said. All shops should follow the SOP and for the two main markets Paona Thangal, a schedule for the opening was given which will be effective from today. Crowding in tourist spots, historical sites, etc was to be prevented by the department or agency concerned/venue owners. All Deputy Commissioners were asked to supervise and monitor all such locations within their jurisdiction and penalise violators.
The Manipur government has also banned the entry of all people who enter the state without a recent negative Covid test report.
